By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines (AA) – A Philippine police patrol van rammed into protesters outside the United States embassy in Manila on Wednesday, injuring dozens according to indigenous peoples groups at the gathering.
The InterAksyon news website cited Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, as saying that 29 protesters were arrested during the protest against the presence of U.S. military personnel in the archipelago.
According to a newly-formed alliance of national minorities, of the more than 50 people reportedly injured in the incident, at least five required hospitalization.
A statement released by the alliance said, “police released tear gas and rammed their mobile patrol vehicle through the ranks of the protesters. Police armed with truncheons also chased after the protesters from Roxas Boulevard to Kalaw Street.”
Reyes said there was “absolutely no justification” for the dispersal since “the groups were preparing to leave.”
The protest, joined by indigenous people from across the Philippines including the Lumad community of the northern Luzon highlands and Muslim Moro of southern Mindanao, was also aimed at showing support from President Rodrigo Duterte’s pursuit of an independent foreign policy.
